On the eve of her husband Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president, incoming first lady Melania Trump has made headlines by launching her own cryptocurrency, $Melania. This move follows the recent debut of $Trump, a cryptocurrency tied to the former president, reflecting the Trump family’s growing involvement in the digital asset space.
Announced via social platform X, Melania Trump stated, “The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $Melania now.” Despite disclaimers on both coins’ websites stating they are not intended as investment opportunities or securities, the launches have drawn significant attention in the volatile world of crypto trading.
The Rise of Trump and Melania Coins
According to market tracking platforms, $Trump boasts a market valuation of approximately $12 billion, while $Melania is valued at $1.7 billion. The launch of these coins comes as the Trump family increasingly aligns with cryptocurrency. Their company, World Liberty Financial, has positioned itself as a disruptor to traditional financial institutions and has launched digital assets, including the Trump coin.
This shift is particularly notable given Donald Trump’s previous criticism of cryptocurrency as a “scam.” During his 2024 presidential campaign, however, Trump became the first major candidate to accept digital assets as donations, signaling a change in his stance. Additionally, he has proposed creating a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and appointing crypto-friendly regulators, stoking optimism about the future of digital assets under his administration.
A New Era for Meme Coins and Crypto Regulation
The launch of Melania’s Meme coin highlights the continued rise of “meme coins,” cryptocurrencies tied to viral trends or cultural moments. With Melania’s incorporation of MKT World LLC handling the coin, it joins the ranks of meme coins like Dogecoin, which has gained traction thanks to high-profile endorsements from Elon Musk.
As Trump’s administration takes shape, the crypto market is bracing for potential regulatory changes. With Bitcoin reaching record highs and meme coins gaining prominence, the era of Trump-led cryptocurrency ventures marks a significant chapter in the digital asset revolution. Whether this signals a sustained boom or further volatility remains to be seen.